APS Innovation Fund
The APS Innovation Fund offers pilot or supplemental funding to support members in launching innovative projects that address challenges in the physics community while advancing the APS mission of fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community committed to science and societal impact.
2025 Application Theme: Capacity Building for Education and Careers in Climate Science
The 2025 Innovation Fund application theme aims to empower physics departments, educators, and industry leaders to create or expand programs that enhance access, deepen knowledge, and increase opportunities in physics-based climate science education and career pathways. It also strives to showcase physics's vital role in advancing climate science and addressing global challenges.
The pre-proposal deadline has passed.
Duration
The funding period lasts up to eighteen months.
Funding details
The APS Innovation Fund awards up to five grants, each valued at $50,000.
Regarding indirect costs, overhead is allowed but limited to a maximum of 5% of the grant budget. The requested budget, including overhead, must not exceed $50,000.
Award funds will be issued to the PI’s institution on a reimbursement basis.
Rules and eligibility
To submit a proposal, you:
- Must be an APS member
- May be a U.S.-based or an international applicant at any career stage to apply as a principal investigator (PI) with a maximum of two optional co-PIs
- Must provide a letter of support from an advisor or department if you are applying as a student, postdoc, or are in another training position
Process and selection
- May: Deadline for pre-proposals
- July: Finalists are invited to submit a full proposal
- August: Deadline for finalists to submit full proposals
- November: Grant recipients notified
- January 2026: Award start date
Establishment and support
The APS Innovation Fund encourages collaborative partnerships among APS members, APS units and committees, and APS staff to develop new approaches to advancing the interests of the physics community.
For resources related to this grant, you may wish to review "Journey to a Ph.D. through the lens of a Black woman in physics" and the APS Innovation program.
Recent recipients
Alabama Climate Physics Ambassadors
2025 recipient
- Kathryn Williamson
- Michelle Wooten
To equip undergraduate physics majors with climate science knowledge and communication skills so they can serve as ambassadors delivering interactive, evidence-based outreach across Alabama schools, libraries, and museums, boosting climate literacy and inspiring future educators.
Earth Today: Physics, Satellites, and the Science of a Changing Planet
2025 recipient
- Will Snyder
- Rebecca Thompson
- Ray Vandiver
For the development of an original, full-dome planetarium show titled Earth Today—an immersive, visually compelling experience that explores the physics behind Earth observation and climate change.
TALK WITH A CLIMATE PHYSICIST: Using AI-Driven Avatars to Make Climate Experts Accessible for All
2025 recipient
- Corinne Brevik
- Thushari Jayasekera
- Tobias Merriman
For creating AI-driven Virtual Climate Physics Experts to raise awareness about physics and climate-related careers and to showcase the importance of physics in addressing the challenges of climate science.
The Trust Race Podcast
2025 recipient
- Shane Bergin
- Maurice Kelliher
- Shaun O'Boyle
To explore how trust in physics shapes climate understanding and action through storytelling that connects science, education, and communities in tackling global challenges.
VR-based Global Climate Experience
2025 recipient
- Margaret Freepartner
- Shafat Mubin
For creating physics-based virtual reality (VR) platforms where users can experience an environment impacted by climate change.
APS Honors recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of the global physics community. Guided by our core values, APS Honors encourages nominations that reflect the full range of talent, distinction, and experience in our field, and supports broad canvassing for professional achievement across diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise.
Nominees for and holders of APS Honors (prizes, awards, and fellowship) and official leadership positions are expected to meet standards of professional conduct and integrity as described in the APS Ethics Standards. Violations of these standards may disqualify people from consideration or lead to revocation of honors or removal from office.
APS Innovation Fund
Related
Data on the educational attainment and experiences of diverse groups within physics and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
We're committed to fostering a welcoming physics community where everyone passionate about science can succeed.
Encouraging physicists to explore the edges of their field with a focus on education, broadening access and involvement, career-building, and research.
APS honors exceptional contributions to the physics community, including travel support for students and early career physicists.